Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is characterized by acute pain in the ball of the upper foot region, or the area between the foot’s arch and toes. There are five metatarsal bones running down the middle of the foot from the toes to the ankle; when one of the nerves between the metatarsals becomes inflamed, metatarsalgia and its accompanying pain result.

What Are Some Causes of Metatarsalgia?

Metatarsalgia can occur when uneven or too much pressure is applied to the foot’s metatarsals due to the following conditions:

Foot injuries

Weight-bearing sports and exercises, such as running

Ill-fitting or rigid footwear

Prolonged standing on hard floors or ground

Overpronation, or rolling in of the feet when walking or running which causes uneven weight distribution on the feet

Foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma

Arthritis

Aging (degenerates foot bones and pads)

Weight gain

What Are Symptoms of Metatarsalgia?

Sudden or increasing pain in the toe and forefoot area, especially during activity or walking barefoot